Sometimes we get sexual predators on DS who try to exploit the vulnerable, particularly young girls. While these represent a tiny minority of people that join DS they can be very persistant.

 

For your own safety please be alert.

 

The kind of thing to look for is members that become very friendly and prefer to talk via hugs or PMs rather than on boards. People that want to share sexual details, e.g abuse, in private and ask you to do the same.

 

Look at the member's profile. If like me they are a 58 year old man you might wonder why I want to friend someone who is 20 or younger. A check of the age of the member's friends might also be enlightening.

 

But be aware that some predators will like about their age or gender - so the main thing to watch out for is that enthusiasm for discussing sensitive matters in private and asking you to do the same.

 

Unfortunately as these people are generally careful they often manage to avoid detection and banning by DS. So we need to be vigilent.

 

Stay safe.

 

Mark, Community Leader for Bipolar